The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just released a statement urging consumers to not buy any pre-packaged caramel apples after health officials confirmed that they were the source of an outbreak of listeria, a serious bacterial infection, that has affected 28 people across the U.S. Of those cases identified, 26 people hospitalized, and of those hospitalized, five have died. (Listeria is most dangerous to pregnant women, older adults, children and those with weakened immune systems.)

The 28 cases identified in the investigation came from 10 states, including Arizona (4), California (1), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), New Mexico (5), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2). The dates of the illness appear to range from October 17 and November 27, 2014, though it's possible other cases has developed since then.

The investigation is working towards determining whether or not specific brands of pre-packaged caramel apples were the cause of contamination, but until more information becomes available, the CDC urges consumers to stay away from any at all.

"Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that U.S. consumers do not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided," the statement reads.

As of now, there are no illnesses linked to apples that are not pre-packaged or coated in the topics outlined above — or to caramel candy.